How Budapest's Buda Castle Redefines Modern Architecture and Cultural Identity
A recent panel discussion explored the role of beauty and tradition in modern architecture, with experts debating how design choices shape identity, culture, and community life. The conversation centered on projects like Budapest's Buda Castle and Sweden's shifting attitudes towards classical styles.
The event was led by Eric Norin, co-founder of the Architectural Uprising movement, alongside academics and researchers from the Danube Institute and the University of Buckingham.
Eric Norin began by sharing a personal story about Sundsvall, a Swedish town rebuilt after a devastating 19th-century fire. He described how its reconstruction influenced his view of architecture's social impact. This experience later inspired him to co-found Architectural Uprising in 2014, a movement built on three principles: debate, defend, and develop.
Norin also highlighted Sweden's recent political shift in architecture. Public opinion and market trends now favor traditional designs over modernist approaches. He argued that this change reflects deeper cultural values rather than just aesthetic preferences.
The panel then turned to Budapest's Buda Castle district. Calum Nicholson, initially sceptical of the project, admitted the new buildings blend convincingly with historic surroundings. He joined others in praising the work for reinforcing Hungarian identity and social unity.
Mikołaj-Sławkowski Rode linked Budapest's approach to broader Central European trends. He cited Warsaw's post-war reconstruction as an example of how cities rebuild while preserving cultural continuity. The discussion rejected the idea that beauty in architecture can be measured purely by engineering standards or minimalism.
Instead, the panellists stressed that buildings must balance function with visual appeal. Norin framed the appeal of classical streetscapes as rooted in human perception and long-standing traditions. The debate underscored how architecture shapes both physical spaces and collective memory.
The discussion concluded with agreement on architecture's power to strengthen cultural ties and community bonds. Projects like Buda Castle demonstrate how thoughtful design can bridge past and present. Meanwhile, movements such as Architectural Uprising continue to push for traditional aesthetics in an increasingly politicised field.
